Submission to Authority

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority.” 1Timothy 2:1-2

The New Testament authors agree that Christ’s followers must submit to authority.¹ In all of the New Testament, I find no reference to resisting secular authority unless the government compels the believer to break God’s commandments; in all other areas he must submit. God controls the activities of all in authority: “…the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”² “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.”³

The admonition contained in this verse is especially applicable for those who disapprove of the authority placed over them. You pray for them; you do not resist them. This does not mean that you affirm wrong with your silence. Rather, you call to their attention that they are wrong if and when they give you opportunity. However, in such encounters, you must be ready to defend before God that you confront them because you have their best interest in mind, and not because you are defending yourself.

1 Cf., e.g., Romans 13:1-5 and 1Peter 2:13-14, 17

2 Hebrews 13:6

3 Proverbs 21:1

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